Life can often threw us curveballs. Right when we are settling down into a situation and starting to get comfortable, opportunity comes knocking at the door. And, we are faced with the question, will we stay in our comfort zone or delve into the unknown world of possibilities? I recently chose to pursue the world of possibilities and excitedly accepted the position of executive director of the League of Women Voters.

I was drawn to join the League because of its noted impact on American history and politics coupled with my desire to continue to serve and support mission-focused organizations that work on issues about which I am passionate. I wanted an organizational home committed to principles that are important to me – inclusion and empowerment. And, I wanted to help protect the fundamental right to vote that my foremothers and forefathers made so many sacrifices to attain. I’m excited to help continue the League’s fight to protect the right to vote, most notably our need to restore the Voting Rights Act which became law 50 years ago and ensured that every American citizen, regardless of race, ethnicity or language, had equal access to the right to vote.

Since starting just over three weeks ago and right before National Voter Registration Day, I have begun to become more intimately familiar with the League’s work, and as a result, my interest in and passion for the organization has grown. My closet activist from my college days has been reignited as I have come to understand better what is at stake in this next election cycle and how League supporters, especially Leaders for Democracy like you, are integral to helping voters have a say on the issues that matter most to them.